Our Ocean Gala for the FishIntel Project!

What a couple of weeks it’s been! From Ocean Gala’s to a jam-packed Alderney Week. All of which have been a complete success and fully booked to the max!

On the 29^thof July, we held our first Ocean Gala fundraising event, a showstopper of a night full of entertainment. A beautiful evening spent in The Georgian House’s Orangery, decorated with shells, beach pebbles and the fantastic array of artwork and ocean-themed wares that our local community kindly made and donated for this important cause. From all corners of the Channel Islands, we displayed works of art from Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark.

Fish Intel is a fantastic project that allows us to see what happens beneath the ocean’s surface by recording passing fish, where they travel to and how they behave. We wanted to raise money to directly fund the extension of Fish Intel in Alderney. With thanks to all those who contributed with generous auction bids and pledges, without forgetting the entertaining bidding wars which totalled a magnificent £3,338.34 which will enable us to continue this project locally for an additional 3 years.

To present the evening, Sue Daly (wildlife photography and film maker) sailed over to set the tone for the night and introduce Francis Binney, a lead member of Fish Intel. To have both in the room with us was very special!

Below you will find the beautiful pieces of art that were kindly gifted for our auction, some of which are extremely limited editions. To all the creators that provided us with auction items – a huge thank you. Without you the event wouldn’t have allowed us to hit the target, and to all our wonderful members who dressed up with a nod to Alderney’s blue seas, thank you for spending such a memorable evening bidding, pledging and competing to win your desired items. The bidding wars in particular were great fun to watch.

A special thank you to the Georgian House for their continued support. Their team hosted a fantastic evening, smashing an excellent service for fifty people, delicious food, marine-themed cocktails (with a percentage donated to the cause), and a lastminute art donation from secret artist and everyone’s favourite Bar Manager, Max.

If you missed out on the evening, don’t fear, we are excited to make this an annual event as well as launching new and different ways for us to get together in 2024 and beyond, so keep an eye out for more opportunities that celebrate marine life in Alderney.